The House of Representatives is considering proposals for a P150 to P350 daily wage increase, surpassing the P100 hike recently passed by the Senate, according to Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe.
This, as lawmakers acknowledged the struggles of Filipinos grappling with inflation and decreased purchasing power due to global economic issues. “Our workers are enduring tough times, and as their representatives, it is imperative that we find substantial solutions to alleviate their financial burdens,” Dalipe said.
Speaker Martin Romualdez tasked the House leadership to explore options for boosting workers’ take-home pay, including a legislated increase or revisions to the regional wage board system.
The House committee on labor and employment will prioritize reviewing existing wage hike proposals, including one from Trade Union Congress of the Philippines party-list Rep. Raymund Mendoza for a P150 across-the-board increase.
“The urgency of these discussions highlights the House’s dedication to timely and impactful legislative action,” Dalipe said.
While appreciating the Senate’s efforts, the House believes a P100 increase is insufficient. They propose studying a wider range, from P150 to P350 per day, to better address declining real wages and purchasing power.
While acknowledging the need to support workers, Dalipe emphasized the importance of considering the impact on businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“While any increase is a step in the right direction, we must ensure that our legislative actions truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of our workers, particularly when considering the substantial challenges faced by the business sector, especially micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises,” he said.
The House aims to strike a balance between supporting workers and ensuring business sustainability, emphasizing that they are not merely focused on passing laws quickly.